- Buy a replacement kit. Ball faucets have several parts that will need to be replaced and some that require special tools.
- Start by unscrewing and removing the handle. Lift off the handle and place it aside.
- Use pliers to remove the cap and collar. Also, loosen the faucet cam by using the tool provided in your replacement kit for this purpose.
- Remove the inlet seals and springs. To do this, you will need to reach into the mechanism itself, probably using needle-nose pliers.
- Replace the O-rings. Cut off the old ones and coat the new ones in plumber’s grease before installing.
- Install new springs, valve seats, and cam washers. These should all be included in your kit, and should be essentially the reverse of the process you completed.
- Reassemble the handle. The leak should now be repaired. Remove the handle. Pry off the decorative cap if necessary, unscrew, and remove the handle by tilting it backwards.
How to unclog a faucet?
What to Do When the Blockage Isn't at the Aerator Screen
- Turn off the hot and cold water lines or the main water supply line.
- Unscrew the flexible water supply lines where they connect to the faucet (they are usually braided and are grey or white in color).
- Once they're disconnected, point the lines into a bucket and slowly turn on the water again.
How do you fix a loose faucet?
To assemble, proceed as follows:
- Remove all disturbing objects under the sink.
- Lie on your back under the sink. You may need a flashlight to see the screw connection.
- Loosen the nut from the threaded rod. The best way to do this is to use a faucet wrench.
- Remove the nut and washers.
- Now place the stabilizing triangle between the sink and washers before you hand-tighten the nut.
What is the cost to repair a leaky faucet?
What affects the cost of sink and faucet repairs?
- Clearing a clogged drain: $150 - $200. ...
- Clearing and repairing pipes: $120 - $170. ...
- Professional tools for clogged drains and pipes. ...
- Stopping a dripping faucet: $65 - $150. ...
- Water temperature and pressure. ...
- Fixing surface problems: $100 - $200. ...
- Replacing your sink or faucet: $150 - $400. ...
How do I repair an outside water faucet?
Outdoor faucets can develop leaks over time. Repairing or replacing the faulty parts will require a few standard tools.Shut off the water supply to the fauce...
How do I fix a single handle faucet?
0:402:56How to Repair a Leaky Single Handle Cartridge Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst you will need to turn off the hot and cold water supply valve under the sink. Next you willMoreFirst you will need to turn off the hot and cold water supply valve under the sink. Next you will need to remove the single lever handle. This may require using an allen wrench to loosen the handle.
How do you fix a dripping faucet?
1:412:54How To Fix A Dripping or Leaky Double Handle Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipClean a dirty aerator by soaking it in white vinegar rinse it and screw it back in. And that shouldMoreClean a dirty aerator by soaking it in white vinegar rinse it and screw it back in. And that should solve your faucet leaks want more great ideas and how-tos go to lowes.com/howto.
Can a faucet valve be repaired?
Repairing a Leaky Faucet It's normal for your shower to drip for a few minutes after the water is turned off. But a steady flow may indicate a leak. Replacing your faulty hardware is a common fix, but leaks can also be stopped by repairing your valve or stem.
How do you fix a dripping bathroom faucet?
0:011:51How to Fix a Bathroom Faucet Leak - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPry off the screw covers on the top of the faucet handles and remove the set screws and handles.MorePry off the screw covers on the top of the faucet handles and remove the set screws and handles. Remove any collars holding the cartridges in place. Grasp the stems with your hand or pliers.
Why does my faucet drip after I turn it off?
If you notice your bathroom sink drips or leaks out of the faucet head when turned off, there is likely an issue with the seal inside the faucet head, allowing the water to run through or drip. Before calling a professional plumber, consider whether you're able to repair the leak in your bathroom sink yourself.
Why does my tap drip after I turn it off?
The faucet valve (working parts) is housed in the handle and controls the on/off, volume, and temperature control. Over time, a faucet valve can lose its ability to make a water-tight seal, so water will drip out even in the off position.
How do you take apart a faucet stem?
1:035:29Faucet stem repair and replacement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you have a brass stem you'll need to remove this by using a wrench and rotating it in the onMoreIf you have a brass stem you'll need to remove this by using a wrench and rotating it in the on direction until it threads out entirely.
How do you replace a faucet stem?
7:288:06How do I replace the stem in my double handle faucet? Part 3YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo it faces forward push your cap back in same way on this one there's a C for cold. Put that oneMoreSo it faces forward push your cap back in same way on this one there's a C for cold. Put that one back in push it down now you've learned to change your stem.
How do you know if your faucet valve is bad?
Signs that a cartridge faucet needs repair are water dripping from the spout, difficulty in adjusting the water temperature, hot water entering cold water outlets like toilet supply lines and inadequately heated water at some faucets.
How do you fix a dripping kitchen faucet with two handles?
0:424:49How to Repair a Leaky Two-Handle Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce you determine the trouble stem you'll need to turn off the water. Next remove the handle with aMoreOnce you determine the trouble stem you'll need to turn off the water. Next remove the handle with a Philips head screwdriver. So that the stem is visible.
How do you fix a leaking single handle kitchen faucet?
0:423:11How to Repair a Leaky Single Handle Ball Kitchen Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst you will need to turn off the hot and cold water supply valve under the sink. Next. You willMoreFirst you will need to turn off the hot and cold water supply valve under the sink. Next. You will need to remove the single lever handle. This may require using an allen wrench to loosen the hammer.
What tools do I need to fix a leaky faucet?
You'll probably need an Allen wrench to remove the handle. Buy a set of small Allen wrenches and you'll be prepared for all kinds of leaking faucets. Most repairs also require screwdrivers and a pair of large slip-joint pliers.
Why do we need to replace a faucet?
Faucets are a key part of your home for an obvious reason: They dispense water. Therefore, keeping your faucets in working condition is of great importance. A number of things can go wrong with your faucets, from leaks to noise. Sometimes you'll need to replace a faucet altogether to solve the problem.
How to stop a drip from a faucet?
That seal is usually created by a washer pressed tightly against the faucet seat. Obviously, when the washer or the seat is not functioning properly, a little water can seep through and drip out of the faucet spout. To stop the drip, all you usually have to do is replace the washer or repair the seat.
Why is my water pressure low?
Uneven water flow, low pressure when the pressure at other faucets seems all right, or troublesome switching back and forth from spray head to sink spout can be caused by a malfunctioning diverter valve or by a restricted hose. To check the diverter valve:
Why is my faucet making a noise?
Most likely, however, your noisy faucet is caused by a washer that is either the wrong size or is not held securely to the stem. Turn off the water supply before starting on this or any other faucet repair job. Replacing the washer or tightening it should eliminate the noise.
Why does my faucet drip?
A drip is caused by seepage from the water supply. Remember the water supply enters your home under pressure, so there must be a watertight seal holding back the incoming water when the faucet handle is in the OFF position. That seal is usually created by a washer pressed tightly against the faucet seat.
How much money does a dripping faucet waste?
Yet many people ignore it and leave the dripping faucet unrepaired. That costs money. A steady drip can waste $20 or more in water in a short time. Multiply that figure by the number of faucet drips in your home, and you can calculate how much of your money is literally going down the drain. The waste from a dripping hot water faucet is even more because you're also paying to heat the water before it goes down the drain.
What is a compression type faucet?
Compression-type faucets: No matter what a compression-type faucet looks like, whether it has separate handles for hot and cold water or just one that operates both hot and cold, it operates according to certain basic principles. Here's how to disassemble a compression-type faucet and stop a drip:
What is the stem on a faucet?
Underneath, you will find the stem, which sits on top of the O-ring, which sits on top of a seat washer. The seat washer is usually made of rubber, which can get worn out after a while. If your faucet is dripping, this is mostly likely the culprit.
How many handles does a compression faucet have?
A compression faucet has two screw handles, one for hot and one for cold, and is the easiest to recognize by sight. The other three types of faucet all have one central, swiveling arm that you can swing from hot to cold as desired.
What is the difference between a ball and a cartridge faucet?
You may have to take your faucet apart before you know which is which, because the internal mechanisms at the base of their arms are all different: A ball faucet contains a ball bearing. A cartridge faucet contains a cartridge. The materials of the cartridge will vary, but handle often has a decorative cap.
How to get water cartridge to stand up?
Pull the cartridge so that it stands straight up. This is the position the cartridge sits in when the water is on full blast.
How to remove seat washer from car?
Pull out the stem. This will expose the O-ring, which will be thinner, and seat washer, which will be thicker.
Can you replace the O ring on an outdoor faucet?
Replace the O-ring inside of it, it's probably very old. If that doesn't work you can actually get a valve that goes over top of your outdoor faucet that is fail safe.
Can a leaky handle be repaired?
Reassemble the handle. The leak should now be repaired.
How to stop a faucet from leaking?
Investigate the cap and adjusting ring by taking a good look. If the faucet seems to be leaking from there, try tightening the adjusting ring with needle-nose pliers. If that doesn’t stop the leak, you’ll need to replace the faucet’s seats and springs.
How long does water run in a faucet?
The water needs to run for one minute. For kitchen & bathroom faucets, be sure to put a bucket upside down over top of the faucet in order to direct the water down to the sink, or water will spray everywhere. Turn the water off at the supply lines again before re-assembling. 8.
Do you need an adjusting ring for a faucet?
Depending on the age of your faucet, you may not have an adjusting ring. For those with newer faucets that don’t contain adjusting rings, please skip this step. If you have an older faucet with an adjusting ring, it will not be needed after the repair if the cam/packing is replaced.
Techniques for solving a tough faucet problem
Repair a drippy ball-type faucet using these pro tricks to deal with stubborn screws. You may have to replace the handle, but not the entire faucet.
Kitchen Faucet Repair: Loosen a stuck screw on a single-handle faucet
If the Allen screw is stuck, or if you strip it so it won’t come out, remove the cap with the handle still in place. You can’t grab the flattened edges with the handle in place. Instead, for this kitchen faucet repair, cushion the jaws of pliers and grip the round edge below.
How to Remove Faucet Handle
If you can’t loosen the Allen screw on the handle of a ball-type faucet, don’t let that 15¢ screw force you into a $100 faucet replacement… just yet! Normally you have to remove the handle to get the worn rubber seats that cause the drip (Figure A). First try spraying the screw with penetrating oil every day for a week.
Required Tools for this kitchen faucet repair Project
Have the necessary tools for this DIY kitchen faucet repair project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.
Required Materials for this kitchen faucet repair Project
Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list.
